Study of the effect of minor compounds on the oxidative stability and physical properties of bulk oil, oil-in-water emulsion, and food emulsions

Minor components are of particular interest due to their antioxidant and biological properties. Various classes of lipophilic minor components (plant sterols (PS) and α-tocopherol) were selected as they are widely used in the food industry. A Fast GC-MS method for PS analysis in functional dairy products was set up. The analytical performance and significant reduction of the analysis time and consumables, demonstrated that Fast GC-MS could be suitable for the PS analysis in functional dairy products. Due to their chemical structure, PS can undergo oxidation, which could be greatly impacted by matrix nature/composition and thermal treatments. The oxidative stability of PS during microwave heating was evaluated. Two different model systems (PS alone and in combination) were heated up to 30 min at 1000 W. PS degraded faster when they were alone than in presence of TAG. The extent of PS degradation depends on both heating time and the surrounding medium, which can impact the quality and safety of the food product destined to microwave heating/cooking. Many minor lipid components are included in emulsion systems and can affect the rate of lipid oxidation. The oxidative stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing PS esters, ω-3 FA and phenolic compounds, were evaluated after a 14-day storage at room temperature. Due to their surface active character, PS could be particularly prone to oxidation when they are incorporated in emulsions, as they are more exposed to water-soluble prooxidants. Finally, some minor lipophilic components may increase oxidative stability of food systems due to their antioxidant activity. á-tocopherol partitioning and antioxidant activity was determined in the presence of excess SDS in stripped soybean O/W emulsions. Results showed that surfactant micelles could play a key role as an antioxidant carrier, by potentially increasing the accessibility of hydrophobic antioxidant to the interface.

What Is a Minor Stroke?

Background and Purpose— The term “minor stroke” is often used; however a consensus definition is lacking. We explored the relationship of 6 “minor stroke” definitions and outcome and tested their validity in subgroups of patients. Methods— A total of 760 consecutive patients with acute ischemic strokes were classified according to the following definitions: A, score ≤1 on every National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) item and normal consciousness; B, lacunar-like syndrome; C, motor deficits with or without sensory deficits; D, NIHSS ≤9 excluding those with aphasia, neglect, or decreased consciousness; E, NIHSS ≤9; and F, NIHSS ≤3. Short-term outcome was considered favorable when patients were discharged home, and favorable medium-term outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 at 3 months. The following subgroup analyses were performed by definition: sex, age, anterior versus posterior and right versus left hemispheric stroke, and early (0 to 6 hours) versus late admission (6 to 24 hours) to the hospital. Results— Short-term and medium-term outcomes were most favorable in patients with definition A (74% and 90%, respectively) and F (71% and 90%, respectively). Patients with definition C and anterior circulation strokes were more likely to be discharged home than patients with posterior circulation strokes (P=0.021). The medium-term outcome of older patients with definition E was less favorable compared with the outcome of younger ones (P=0.001), whereas patients with definition A, D, and F did not show different outcomes in any subgroup. Conclusions— Patients fulfilling definition A and F had best short-term and medium-term outcomes. They would be best suited to the definition of “minor stroke.”

Surgical treatment of upper, middle and lower cervical injuries and non-unions by anterior procedures

The goals of any treatment of cervical spine injuries are: return to maximum functional ability, minimum of residual pain, decrease of any neurological deficit, minimum of residual deformity and prevention of further disability. The advantages of surgical treatment are the ability to reach optimal reduction, immediate stability, direct decompression of the cord and the exiting roots, the need for only minimum external fixation, the possibility for early mobilisation and clearly decreased nursing problems. There are some reasons why those goals can be reached better by anterior surgery. Usually the bony compression of the cord and roots comes from the front therefore anterior decompression is usually the procedure of choice. Also, the anterior stabilisation with a plate is usually simpler than a posterior instrumentation. It needs to be stressed that closed reduction by traction can align the fractured spine and indirectly decompress the neural structures in about 70%. The necessary weight is 2.5 kg per level of injury. In the upper cervical spine, the odontoid fracture type 2 is an indication for anterior surgery by direct screw fixation. Joint C1/C2 dislocations or fractures or certain odontoid fractures can be treated with a fusion of the C1/C2 joint by anterior transarticular screw fixation. In the lower and middle cervical spine, anterior plating combined with iliac crest or fibular strut graft is the procedure of choice, however, a solid graft can also be replaced by filled solid or expandable vertebral cages. The complication of this surgery is low, when properly executed and anterior surgery may only be contra-indicated in case of a significant lesion or locked joints.

Occurrence and types of dental injuries among patients with maxillofacial fractures

The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the occurrence and types of dental injuries in 389 patients who had been diagnosed with facial fractures, and to analyze whether the occurrence of dental injury correlates to gender, age, trauma mechanism and type of facial fracture. Dental injuries were observed in 62 patients (16%). The most common type of injury was a crown fracture (48%). Dental injuries were multiple in most patients (63%). Almost half (48%) of all injured teeth were severely injured. Most injured teeth (61%) were in the maxilla. The incisor region was the most prevalent site in both the mandible (45%) and the maxilla (56%). The occurrence of dental injury correlated significantly with trauma mechanism and fracture type: motor vehicle accidents and mandibular fracture were significant predictors for dental trauma. The notable rate of dental injury observed in the present study emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination of the oral cavity in all patients who have sustained facial fracture. Referral to a dental practice for further treatment and follow up as soon as possible after discharge from hospital is fundamental.

Occurrence and types of associated injuries in patients with fractures of the facial bones

PURPOSE: To identify the occurrence, types, and severity of associated injuries outside the facial region among patients diagnosed with facial fractures, and to analyze whether there are any factors related to associated injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 401 patients diagnosed with facial fractures during the 2-year period from 2003 to 2004. RESULTS: Associated injuries were observed in 101 patients (25.2%). The most common type of injury was a limb injury (13.5%), followed by brain (11.0%), chest (5.5%), spine (2.7%), and abdominal (0.8%) injuries. Multiple associated injuries were observed in 10% and polytrauma in 7.5%. The mortality rate was 0.2%. The occurrence of associated injury correlated significantly with trauma mechanism and fracture type; high-speed accidents and severe facial fractures were significant predictors of associated injury. CONCLUSIONS: Associated injuries are frequent among patients who have sustained facial fractures. The results underscore the importance of multiprofessional collaboration in diagnosis and sequencing of treatment, but also the importance of arranging appropriate clinical rotations for maxillofacial residents in training.

Multidetector CT (MD-CT) in the diagnosis of uncertain open globe injuries

To evaluate the significance of multislice CT for the diagnosis of uncertain penetrating globe injuries.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in a minor salivary gland: report of a case

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is exceedingly rare in minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. We present a case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA) of the buccal mucosa in a 47-year-old Turkish patient. The buccal mass was of a size of 1.5 cm located in the left cheek. Pleomorphic adenoma was the tentative diagnosis. METHODS: The tumor was removed under local anesthesia. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a preexisting pleomorphic adenoma associated with adenoid tumor component with tubulo-cystic and papillary or pseudopapillary structures; CEPA was diagnosed. Capsular integrity was incomplete with infiltration by islands of metaplastic/dysplastic epithelium. RESULTS: Secondary surgery of the site was performed. No tumor tissue could be detected in the resection specimen. The patient is free of recurrence since 9 months.

Are there risk factors for snowboard injuries? A case-control multicentre study of 559 snowboarders

To analyse risk factors leading to injuries during snowboarding.

Civilian gunshot wounds to the genitourinary tract: incidence, anatomic distribution, associated injuries, and outcomes

Gunshot wounds (GSW) affecting the genitourinary (GU) system in civilians are uncommon. This study describes the incidence, anatomic distribution, demographics, associated injuries, management, and outcomes after civilian GU GSW.

Management of blunt injuries to the spleen

Non-operative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries is nowadays considered the standard treatment. The present study identified selection criteria for primary operative management (OM) and planned NOM.

Management of hemorrhage in severe pelvic injuries

Major pelvic trauma results in high mortality. No standard technique to control pelvic hemorrhage has been identified.

Meniere's disease in the elderly

Menière disease usually begins in adults from 20 to 60 years old, and occurs in more than 10% of patients older than 65. The treatment of Menière disease in the elderly represents a challenge because of polymedication. Antivertiginous drugs such as betahistine and cinnarizin give good results with minor secondary effects. In contrast, major vestibular suppressor drugs such as thiethylperazin must be avoided as long-term treatment because of their side effects. Definitive vestibular surgical deafferentations such as labyrinthectomy and selective vestibular neurectomy represent optional procedures but must be carefully evaluated from case to case. Ablative procedures remain the efficient treatment of drop attacks, which represent a high potential risk of severe injuries by older patients sometimes with important social consequences.